Utrecht University Library exhibits more Heavenly Discoveries

From the attic to the museum

A large map containing spectacular architectural drawings of the Utrecht Dome and other buildings was found in 2008 in the attic of the Institute of Art History of Utrecht University and transferred to the Utrecht University Library. Between August 25th and November 25th a selection of these drawings is exhibited for the first time during the second part of the exhibition Heavenly Discoveries at Museum Catharijnevconvent: the most important discoveries made at Utrecht University Library in recent years.

The stunning architectural drawings were made by Johannes Flentge, a master-stonemason who was involved in the restoration of the Dom of Utrecht from 1902 to 1932. By drawing lines and circles on maps and construction plans, he tried to discover a ‘divine symmetry’ within the Dom and other medieval buildings.

Apart from that, the diary of Arnold Buchelius ('Diarium') will be exhibited and it will be possible to witness the relationships among theologians and preachers from Zeeland, Utrecht and Groningen by the means of an annotated 17th century bible.

The map of Utrecht published by engraver and silversmith Adam van Vianen in 1598 is also on display. It depicts the city quite reliably and it is also the first map of Utrecht that was made, printed and published in the city itself.

Most of these special works can be found on the Special Collections website. Digitized and accompanied by the story of the new discoveries. Browse the pages of these precious works and zoom in on the tiniest details.

The exhibition contains manuscripts, old printed books and maps which have been discovered by students, researchers or curators as well as newly acquired documents which will be exhibited for the very first time. Works that have been selected from the recent discoveries relate to Christianity, thus fitting in with the collections of the Catharijneconvent which hosts the exhibition.

The first part, which opened on April 27th contained the famous Pontifical from the Utrecht Saint Mary’s Church and several important 17th-century maps.